Common name: Comet

General information

The Comet, also known as the Marine Betta or Argus Fish, is a species that captivates aquarists with its unique appearance and behavior. Calloplesiops argus is known for its striking coloration, with a dark body covered in white spots that mimic a starry night sky. The eyespot on the dorsal fin, resembling the eye of a moray eel, is a distinctive feature used to confuse predators and prey alike.

In the wild, Comets are elusive and prefer to dwell in caves and crevices within the reef. They are adept at hunting, using their pectoral fins to herd small fish and invertebrates into a corner before consuming them.

Care

In the aquarium, Comets require a tank with plenty of hiding places and a peaceful environment. They can be shy and are best kept with non-aggressive tank mates. It's important to provide a varied diet including meaty foods like mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, and small pieces of fish or squid.

Reproduction

Breeding Comets in captivity is challenging, and there is limited information on their reproductive habits. They are presumed to be egg-layers, with the male likely guarding the eggs until they hatch.

Habitat

Comets are found in the Indo-Pacific region, from the Red Sea and East Africa to Samoa, north to the Ryukyu Islands, and south to New Caledonia. They inhabit depths from 3 to 50 meters, often in lagoons or on seaward reefs.